Our science, how we manufacture, and how we compare
The science behind Carbonrox
What is CarbonRox?
CarbonRox uses the same technology that is used in Direct Air Capture (DAC) but using highly purified material that is safe for use at home. Carbonrox naturally absorbs the Carbon Dioxide in the air to turn into its carbonate form - the same chemistry that is used in climber's chalk and antacids.
The carbonate form is mostly insoluble. It releases the CO₂ only at temperatures above 840°C or 1540°F. At disposal, as long as it is not incinerated or digested in acids, the CO₂ is scientifically considered to be put away forever.
How is CarbonRox made?
We source waste water brine from salt production facilities and desalination plants. Using green energy, we use a patented process to extract the base material of Carbonrox, which we then handcraft into the shapes that go into our products.
One might ask why use this particular process rather than simply buy the base chemistry off any supplier. The issue is that the usual production process is extremely energy intensive and dirty - mining raw material that is then transported great distances to then be transformed at high heat into the base chemistry of Carbonrox. Carbonrox, on the other hand, uses a waste product that is harmful to nature and turns it into something valuable and nature-positive.
Safety of CarbonRox
How safe is Carbonrox? Very!! Obviously one should not lick them, touch one's eyes after handling them, or inhale the powder. If you have sensitive skin or cuts, or have conditions like eczema or psoriasis, please use proper handling precautions. We specifically chose this combination because of its safety profile. The base chemistry of Carbonrox (in both the pre and post CO₂ absorption forms) is widely used in food and pharmaceuticals. They are even used as nutritional supplements for plants and animals. They are also used in everyday use items such as toothpaste, antacid, and board chalk.
Texas A&M University study on rate and quantity of CO₂ capture with Carbonrox
We worked with Texas A&M University to study the rate at which Carbonrox absorbed CO₂ and turned into its carbonate form under ambient conditions.
They found that from the time they are activated with moisture, CarbonRox convert to its carbonate form in roughly 3-4 months. Each rock was found to capture around 0.75 kg of CO₂ per kg of Carbonrox (i.e., 75% by weight in CO₂ capture - an extremely high number!).
Demonstration of CO₂ absorption capacity
Test showing how 1kg of 1 week old Carbonrox can reduce CO₂ levels. The rocks release moisture (as humidity) as it reacts with and absorbs the CO₂. Actual absorption rate will depend upon age of Carbonrox, ambient CO₂ levels and size of room.
Mindful choices in manufacture
The CarbonRox rocks
The base chemistry underlying Carbonrox is produced from waste brine ("bittern") from the evaporation ponds of a Mediterranean Sea-based sea salt manufacturing facility in Italy. The chemistry is produced using predominantly green energy (80%-90%), which is being transitioned to 100% green energy by 2027. The chemistries are then handcrafted into rocks right here in Switzerland.
Coconut shells and paint
Sourced, processed, and painted in Vietnam. Waste coconut shells were obtained from processing facilities that manufacture coconut water, oil and other products, then mechanically dehusked, polished and handpainted with non-petroleum based eco-friendly paint. Compostable and biodegradable.
Essential Oil Blends
USDA Organic certified essential oils sourced from organic farm collectives in India, Australia, Bulgaria and Sri Lanka. The essential oils are extracted through cold pressing, steam distillation, or CO₂ extraction. Oils are then blended and bottled in India. We use glass bottles, glass droppers and paper labels.
Product Packaging
Packaging involves 100% recycled cardboard boxes, eco-friendly FSC-certified packaging material, and eco-friendly paper tape. Packaging is fully recyclable, compostable and/or biodegradable. We always choose the lowest carbon intensity shipping option available (which usually also happens to be the cheapest).
Finding the right choice for my family
AEROSOL SPRAYS
Aerosol sprays are cheap, quick and convenient. However, they are in general, highly problematic for our health and the environment. They typically contain petrochemical gases such as butane as the propellant. Their fragrances are largely synthetic to keep their prices low, containing phthalates, formaldehydes, dimethyl benzene and other extremely problematic chemistries. And they contain large volumes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to achieve their fine misting scentscape. VOCs at their most benign, cause eye, nose and throat irritation, and at their worst, are known to cause kidney, liver and nervous system damage in addition to a variety of different cancers!
PRODUCT CARBON FOOTPRINT: 1.5 - 6 kg of CO₂e (per kg)
SCENTED CANDLES
Scented candles are fantastic in setting the mood. Candles, with their soft, yellow light elevate the ambience. However, they worsen indoor air quality. Beeswax candles have the lowest footprint, while paraffin (petroleum-based) has the highest. The fragrances are largely synthetic (see aerosol sprays for issues) and even if natural, the type of extraction makes a different. Most natural essential oils are extracted with hexane, a known neurotoxin, that stays in the product and does not have to be listed as an ingredient (in their defense ,most candle-makers dont even know about this). So next time you enjoy your favorite scented candle, please crack open the windows!
PRODUCT CARBON FOOTPRINT: 0.8-2.50 kg CO₂e (per kg) plus container footprint
REED DIFFUSERS
Reed and powered scent diffusers are the unobtrusive mainstays of lobbies, bathrooms and bedrooms. They are easy to move around and are designed to provide a powerful scent scape. However, like was mentioned with aerosol sprays, their fragrances are mostly synthetic and chock full of VOCs to achieve their throw. A simple rule of thumb is that the longer a smell persists, more likely it is that a large part of the "fragrance" is made up of VOCs. VOCs are also cheaper than the core fragrance element and double up as filler material to increase margins. Given the health impacts from the chemicals in the fragrance as well as the VOCs, look for alternative options if available
PRODUCT CARBON FOOTPRINT: 3.5 - 6 kg of CO₂e (per 500 ml)
Compare with Carbonrox
Good choice! Unless you want to live a fragrance free life (and you can with carbonrox as well by just using the rocks to simply remove carbon dioxide), Carbonrox is the best option out there. From using all organic essential oil blends with no additives or fillers, handprinted coconut shells as the structural unit that are biodegradable and compostable, recycled glass bottle and dropper, and recycled and compostable packaging, every single element was consciously chosen for their impact on you, your loved ones, and your local ecosystem. The rocks themselves can be added to compost piles, or to put in gardens to leach into the soil after use - providing the plants and trees with a valuable supplement of magnesium.
PRODUCT CARBON FOOTPRINT: -0.02 to -0.20 kg CO₂e per unit. Estimate in the process of being validated and certified by SGS, the largest and globally renowned environmental audit and certification agency.